Randy Jackson Conquers His Type 2 Diabetes

Instead of spending his off-season looking for the next American Idol, Randy Jackson is educating the world about type 2 diabetes, which he was diagnosed with in 2003. Read the edited version of our interviewwith him below about how he stays healthy

by Ilyssa Panitz • More.com Celebrity Reporter

More: Is it hard to maintain your weight when you are going across the country to attend auditions?
RJ: You have to know the food that works. I know now the cheeseburger with the bacon does not taste as good as the chicken over salad. (laughs) If I eat that, I know I will feel terrible, plus it won’t look good or feel good.

More: Do you kick yourself and say, Why didn’t I do this sooner?
RJ: (laughs) Of course.

More: Since childhood obesity is such a problem, will you talk to the young minds of America?
RJ: Yeah, I do that often. I am one of the ambassadors of Save the Children and I do a lot with juvenile diabetes. I love the kid factor, and that is a big part of who I am. Children should learn how to avoid getting diabetes and having a weight problem because when you don’t it can sometimes lead to bullying.

More: Is that something you have had to deal with?
RJ: Thankfully, no.

More: When American Idol comes back next season will you use the program as a platform to spread the word?
RJ: I would love to. Hopefully we will be bringing back our Idol “Gives Back” charity show.